Champs Project

Decision
Based upon my review of all the alternatives, it is my decision to select Alternative 9 with the exception
of area thinning outside of plantations. Prescription G, as described in Alternative 9, incorporates a 20
inch upper diameter limit for area thinning within eastside pine. Prescription G as described under
Alternative 1 incorporates a 30 inch upper diameter limit. A 20 inch upper diameter limit would slightly
compromise the ability to create a stand structure closer to the desired conditions needed to initiate an
understory vegetation response (Champs Project EA, page 178). To better meet Purpose and Need
number 3, to promote forest health and provide structural diversity to forested stands and since the
analysis showed no real difference between alternatives among the varying resources, I have decided to
incorporate thinning Prescription G as described under Alternative 1. This also adds a slightly greater
economic value to this decision.
Alternatives considered in detail are fully described in the EA on pages 27 through 36. This decision
will implement 10,397 acres of fuel treatments including 6,072 acres of defensible fuel profile zones
(DFPZs) created with mechanized equipment, and 3,115 acres of DFPZs created through underburning.
An additional 1,210 acres of fuel treatments will be accomplished through individual tree selection (area
thinning), which includes 676 acres implemented with mechanized equipment, and 534 acres treated
through hand thinning. Fuel treatments will be accomplished by treating surface, ladder and canopy fuels
utilizing a combination of commercial timber sales, service contracts, and Forest Service crews.
This decision will implement 261 acres of group selection (GS) utilizing timber sale contracts.
Group selection densities will be limited to less than two percent of the forested area within the Champs
Project area suitable for group selections, and the size of any one group will be approximately two acres.
This decision will also implement improvements to the existing transportation system within the
Champs Project area. This decision includes the reconstruction of 2.3 miles of existing Forest system
roads, the construction in the form of realignment of a 0.85 mile portion of Forest system and non-system
road, and the re-classification of 1.5 miles of existing non-system roads to Forest system roads.
Approximately 8.7 miles of existing non-system roads will be used for project activities. All roads used
for the project will be maintained to provide for road surface protection and erosion control.
My decision includes all of the integrated design features necessary to protect resources within the
Champs Project area. The integrated design features are described in detail on pages 37 through 44 of the
EA.
I have reviewed the cumulative effects analysis, including the prediction for DFPZ maintenance.
Based upon my review, my decision does not include DFPZ maintenance at this time. Future maintenance
actions will be analyzed separately and site-specifically, in compliance with the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA). These future maintenance options do not alter my decision to implement DFPZ
construction as described below.
Reasons for the Decision
The reasons for my decision are based on the purpose and need for the Champs Project. The Champs
Project will:
Page 2 Champs Project
Decision Notice & FONSI